Cricket would be returning to the Olympic after a gap of 128 years, for Los Angeles 2028 Games, and the ICC confirmed the venue for the same on Thursday. The home ground for Los Angeles Knight Riders, will also host all the Olympic cricket matches. In what was called a ‘ground breaking ceremony, ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta was also present at the event.
Knight Riders to host cricket at Olympics
“This is a moment in history because what we are breaking ground on today is not simply a cricket field. We are breaking ground on a promise. A promise that took 128 years to keep,” Gupta said. He added, that cricket’s return to the Olympic field was only a reflection of sport’s growing popularity across the world.
“That’s how long the world’s second most popular sport, a game played and passionately followed by more than 2.5 billion people, has been missing from the Olympic stage. When the International Olympic Committee formally approved cricket’s inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Games, it wasn’t just a scheduling announcement. It was a recognition that the Olympics should reflect the sports that billions of people love,” he said.
“The International Cricket Council humbly accepted that recognition with our full commitment.” Gupta also spoke of the historic value of the ground, for the people of Los Angeles. “This site has served the people of Los Angeles County as the home of the LA County Fair, as a gathering place for trade, culture, and celebration,” he said.
“There is something fitting, almost poetic, about the fact that a venue built on the idea of community coming together will now host a sport that, at its very core, is all about community.”
In fact, the development of the ground was possible, after the Knight Riders group developed the venue, and made this their home ground as well.
Cricket qualification for LA28
Even though nothing has come out officially, but it was widely reported last year, that the ICC is all set to approve continental qualification system for six teams. Earlier, there was also a consideration, that rankings until a cut off date would be considered; but that system did have some reservations.
In any case, if it is the Continental qualification system, top teams are bound to miss out. Asia is a powerhouse in the sport, with India most likely going through. That means Pakistan, Sri Lanka won’t go through. Australia and Australia and New Zealand. US qualify as the host nation, so the Caribbeans also miss out.
Cricket
MS Dhoni set to miss MI vs CSK clash as Thala's comeback pushed further
